If your baby’s hand turns inward at the wrist, they may have radial dysplasia, also known as radial club hand. Our surgical specialists at Children’s Hospital offer innovative procedures to improve your child’s movement and function in their hand and wrist.
Radial dysplasia occurs when the thumb-side bone (radius) of the forearm is too short or missing. Sometimes called radial longitudinal deficiency, radial dysplasia can cause your baby’s hand to turn inward at the wrist. Your child may also lack other tissues that help them pinch, grasp and move their hands, wrists and elbows.
As part of an academic health system, Children’s Hospital offers the latest treatments for babies with radial club hand. Our pediatric plastic surgeons and pediatric orthopaedic surgeons can improve your baby’s hand function to enhance their quality of life.
Causes and Signs of Radial Club Hand
Babies with radial dysplasia can have a wide range of symptoms, including:
- A small or missing inner forearm bone (radius)
- A small or missing thumb
- Missing wrist bones
- A hand that bends inward at the wrist, like an “L” shape
One or both hands may be affected. Any baby can develop radial dysplasia, although some may inherit the condition from their parents. In most cases, the cause of radial club hand is not known. Kids with certain disorders may have radial dysplasia along with other conditions like congenital heart disease (heart defects).
Getting Care for Radial Dysplasia
If you would like to know the options for treating your baby’s hand, we can help. Your OB/GYN or pediatrician can refer you to our hand surgery team. Or you can reach out to us directly.
Types of Radial Club Hand
Babies can have mild anomalies (differences) that don’t require surgery, or more severe issues that affect their hand function. Different types of radial dysplasia may involve:
- Complete absence
- The wrist joint (deficient distal radius)
- The wrist and elbow joints (efficient proximal and distal radius)
- Only the elbow end forms (partial aplasia)
We personalize your child’s treatment based on the type and severity of their dysplasia.
Radial Club Hand vs Ulnar Club Hand
Some babies can develop a condition known as ulnar club hand, which is less common than radial club hand. These children have an underdeveloped bone (ulna) on the pinkie-side of their forearm, which can make their hand bend outward. This is different from babies with radial club hand, whose hands turn inward.
Radial Dysplasia Diagnosis at MU Health Care
During your first visit, you’ll meet with a pediatric plastic surgeon or pediatric orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. We’ll examine your baby’s hands, wrists and arms, and take an X-ray. Our team may also recommend other tests, such as heart imaging or genetic testing.
